Hi there! My name is Esther Isifeh, and I am a product manager at Terragon. I graduated from the Federal University of Technology in Minna, Nigeria with a degree in Microbiology and a passion for exploration. However, it wasn't until I heard about product management in September 2021 from a friend (who eventually became my husband a year later 😉) that I knew I had found my true calling.

After learning about the field, I was determined to make the transition. But I faced several challenges along the way. For one, I didn't have a smartphone or PC 🥺, and I was stuck in a developing region in Nigeria. Despite these limitations, I was able to find a way to pursue my dream. I negotiated with my brother to use his device overnight while he slept, and I dedicated my midnights to learning. I took online courses on platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Udemy, and I worked on dummy projects to gain practical experience.

But my persistence paid off. I sent cold InMails to recruiters on LinkedIn and applied for product management roles, even when I wasn't fully qualified. In October 2021, I was contacted by a Senior Product Manager who asked about my product management training and courses. I responded affirmatively and sent her my CV, and she forwarded it to the talent resources at her company.

After a series of interviews, I landed the product management role at Terragon in January 2022, which gave me the opportunity to apply my knowledge in a formal setting. The experience was invaluable, and I was able to work on a variety of products and projects. After the internship ended, I was offered a full-time product management position, which I happily accepted.

In my role as a product manager, I love the combination of technical and strategic thinking that is required. I feel like I am making a real impact on the products and customers we serve, and it has been a truly rewarding journey.

If you're interested in transitioning into product management, my advice is to never give up. Take courses, work on dummy projects, and apply for roles – even if you don't have all the qualifications yet. Keep iterating and improving, and eventually you'll find the right fit for you.